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In this series, we highlight the work of our partners in our Opportunity Movement and share their vision for Charlotte’s future.

Leading on Opportunity: What is your vision for economic mobility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg?

Todd Tibbits: The Y’s vision to be a catalyst to transform lives and communities distinctly positions the organization to inform and to impact economic mobility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. At the Y, we’re committed to battling some of the key barriers to economic mobility by providing access to health and well-being at every stage in life; quality Pre-K, afterschool and school age childcare experiences; free water safety instruction for children and families in communities with higher risks of drowning; a data-driven focus on 3rd grade reading through our Y Readers program; and robust teen leadership programs such as Level Up that help prepare youth for adulthood. The Y stands in spaces that help bridge opportunity, build relationships and promote understanding and acceptance.

Leading on Opportunity: What does opportunity mean to you?

Todd Tibbits: We believe opportunity is deeply imbedded in our mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. At the Y, access is a critical piece of the opportunity puzzle. We believe everyone in our community deserves access to programs, resources, experiences, mentors, training, and skills development that help them learn, grow and thrive regardless of age, income, background, race or zip code. Annually, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte provides more than $22 million in financial assistance and program support.

We have branch locations in or close to nearly every part of town. We offer a flexible, income-based fee structure for membership and programs. We strive to be a good neighbor through programming that’s responsive and relevant to the needs of each community. We work to meet our community members where they are through mobile health initiatives with Atrium Health and our church partners. And we work closely with donors and volunteers to create capacity for all to be involved to help tackle our community’s most critical needs. And we recognize there is more to do.

Leading on Opportunity: How does Leading on Opportunity’s North Star Goal inspire and connect to your work?

Todd Tibbits: The Y’s very legacy was built on serving, growing and empowering youth! Leading on Opportunity’s North Star Goal - that within a generation, every child in Charlotte-Mecklenburg will have an equal chance to achieve social and economic success - connects with all that we do every day at the Y. Our youth-focused programs and priorities are proof positive of our commitment and approach to serving children and youth in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. We also believe that meaningful and long-lasting impact comes through partnership with donors, volunteers, staff and organizations who share our passion and vision.

Moving Charlotte from 50 out of 50 in economic mobility is a collaborative, community effort. With that in mind, we set a goal to build an Opportunity Movement that celebrates everyone's contributions. On March 26, 2019, we honored 50 Inaugural Opportunity Champions who have gone above and beyond to support implementation and align to one or more of our 21 community-inspired strategies within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force Report. Often without any public recognition, this group of distinguished leaders set the bar high for others in our community to invest in building a stronger equitable community for all children, youth and families.

Date

October 01, 2019

Category

Social Capital

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